Starch-entrapped microsphere fibers improve bowel habit but do not exhibit prebiotic capacity in those with unsatisfactory bowel habits: a Phase I, randomized, double-blind, controlled human trial

Approximately one-third of individuals in the United States experience unsatisfactory bowel habits, and dietary intake, especially one low in fiber, could be partly responsible. We hypothesized that intake of a fermentable fiber (starch-entrapped microspheres, SM) that has a delayed, slow fermentation profile in vitro would improve bowel habit while exhibiting prebiotic capacity in those with self-described unsatisfactory bowel habits, all with minimal side effects. A total of 43 healthy volunteers completed a 3-month, double-blind, parallel-arm randomized clinical trial to assess the ability of a daily dose (9g or 12g) of SM versus psyllium (12g) to improve bowel habit, including stool consistency and frequency, and modify gut milieu through changes in stool microbiota and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), while remaining tolerable through minimal gastrointestinal symptoms.

Source: Nutrition Research - June 2, 2017 Category: Nutrition Authors: Heather E. Rasmussen, Bruce Hamaker, Kumar B. Rajan, Ece Mutlu, Stefan J. Green, Michael Brown, Amandeep Kaur, Ali Keshavarzian Source Type: research